The Best Small Dog Toys
There's a reason they call dogs man's best friend. These fluffy, four-legged pets are the perfect companion for anyone. Whether you're adding a new furry friend to your family, or looking to upgrade your pup's toy collection, finding the perfect, durable toys to keep your dog happy can be a challenge. We're here to help you sort through the best options out there to find the best one for your pint-sized pup.
What to Look For
When you’re in the market for new small dog toys, ask yourself a few questions: What material are they made of? Will they hold up against aggressive chewers? Do they have stuffing on the inside? The Toozey puppy toys are one of our favorites for their variety. From rope toys to classic plush options, they give your pup the ultimate variety to keep them happy and occupied for hours. We also love the Outward Hound toys for their unbeatable durability — they’re made from fire hose material to withstand even razor-sharp puppy teeth that can rip through normal toys. Explore our top small dog toy picks to find ones your pup will love.
Toozey Puppy Toys
Considering that you get seven toys of different shapes and textures, this bundle from Toozey is a total steal. Most importantly, for puppies who love nothing more than chewing everything in sight, this toy set is a game-changer. Each toy is made from either premium, 100% cotton, or durable, non-toxic rope materials. All the toys help with the urge to chew while also soothing your dog’s gums and promoting good dental health. Crucially, these toys are safe for long-term use, well-suited for all kinds of pups, and easily washable.
Pros:
- These toys are the perfect medium size, which makes them suitable for both smaller and larger dogs. For families with multiple pups, this set is the ideal way for them to play together without having to purchase separate toys.
- Because the set has a diverse range of toys, it’s a great option for new puppies. That way, you can feel out what types of toys they like—whether that’s rope toys or plush squeaker toys—for an affordable price.
Cons:
- They’re a bit too big for really small breeds, like chihuahua puppies.
BarkBox Consuela the Cactus Toy
Keep your fur baby entertained all day with the BarkBox Consuela the Cactus toy, an adorable, extra-plush squeaker that’s packed with dense stuffing and interactive elements. Designed with a smaller cactus hidden inside to surprise your sweet pup, this toy’s outer layer is actually intended to be ripped and shredded by canine fangs. Thanks to that, it’s great for the most rambunctious, chew-happy puppies out there.
Pros:
- Even though the toy is designed to be chewed open, it’s still durable enough to withstand sharp puppy teeth. We noticed that it took some puppies two or three weeks to get through the outer layer before finding the toy hidden inside.
- The toys aren’t filled with any stuffing. This helps to prevent any tummy troubles your dog may have if they’re inclined to eat the stuffing in regular toys.
Cons:
- We wish the cactus spines weren’t made out of foam, because they’re a little too easy to tear.
AMZpets Dog Toys for Small Dogs
Keep your dog occupied for hours with these toys from AMZpets. This set offers a great mix of ten pieces, including two plush toys, rope toys, balls, rubber bones, and various squeak toys. This is a fun, durable collection that’s perfect for chewers and small dogs of all breeds, and it may even help with anxiety or stress if you have a particularly aggressive or anxious pup on your hands. Designed for energetic, teething puppies, this set is bound to keep your pooch busy all day.
Pros:
- The squeaker toys have a smaller-than-normal squeaker inside. This is perfect for smaller pups so they can easily fit it in their mouth—instead of the too-big squeaker in many toys—to help keep them engaged in playtime for hours.
- The rope toys are especially durable, and hold up well against even razor-sharp puppy teeth. Even after several weeks of play, we barely noticed any wear and tear.
Cons:
- It’s a little too easy to rip the rope doll toy up, so it may not hold up against aggressive chewers.
Sharlovy Squeaky Balls
These squeaky ball toys from Sharlovy are great for aggressive chewers who also like to play fetch. Each set contains six balls, all of which come in bright, easy-to-see colors, so you’ll never lose them at the dog park. These squeaky balls are also made from safe, non-toxic materials that are tough enough to withstand hours and hours of chewing. Plus, the internal squeaker is really hidden inside each ball, so it’s extra tough to destroy.
Pros:
- These balls are the ideal alternative to traditional tennis balls. Instead of being covered in felt that can easily be chewed off, these balls don’t have an outer layer that can be destroyed, which means your pup can play with them for months on end.
- It’s challenging for even aggressive chewers to rip these balls apart, all while remaining lightweight, making them a versatile option for any pup. According to many reviewers, the balls lasted for months and months.
Cons:
- They’re definitely not meant for older dogs, so puppies will age out of them eventually.
Outward Hound Dog Toy
Perfect for long-lasting play, this dog toy from Outward Hound is made from tightly woven rubber fibers of fire hose material and a unique K9 Tuff guard lining that’s strong enough to withstand hours and hours of puppy excitement. It’s also just plain cute. This plush toy comes in several sweet-looking animal designs, all of which are vibrantly colored and nearly indestructible. And, there’s no stuffing, so cleanup is minimal, which is always a huge plus.
Pros:
- Each of the toys has squeakers in each section, so even if one squeaker gets destroyed, there are several others still intact. This ensures hours and hours of play, even for the most aggressive of chewers.
- You can use the toy to play fetch, tug of war, or just as a chew toy for versatile ways to play that will keep your puppy endlessly occupied.
Cons:
- They’re a tad pricey compared to other dog toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a dog toy is non-toxic and safe for my puppy or small dog to use?
Seek out trusted brands and steer clear of toys that are made with toxic heavy metals, like lead or cadmium. Latex and plastic are no-nos, too.
What are some of the most indestructible materials to be on the lookout for in a good dog toy?
Some of the best, most indestructible materials include hard nylon and rubber, which are perfect for younger or particularly excitable pups.
Can my puppy play with chew toys as an alternative to exercise?
Absolutely not. It’s never okay to use a chew toy in place of exercise. All puppies need multiple walks per day and plenty of fresh air and sunshine. A chew toy isn’t a replacement for that.
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